AT  THE  SIGN  OF  THE  SPHINX 

PN  ~ 

6371 


^TiUWf 


3  1822  011 
I     I 


1     LIBRARY     ] 

1        UNIVERSITY  OF         1 
1           CALIFORNIA            / 

Central  University  Library 

University  of  California,  San  Diego 
Please  Note:  This  item  is  subject  to  recall. 

Date  Due 

§Eg  i  4  19<^ 

0139(7/93) 

UCSD  Lib. 

VERSITY   OF   ."''    ^"S 


3 .8a^-7;7sffi»l 


6121  63  9/ 


(^^>t^ 


7 


AT  THE  SIGN  OF  THE  SPHINX 


At  the 
Sign  of  the  SPHINX 


BY   CAROLYN  WELLS 


Heyday  a  Riddle  !    Neither  good  nor  bad  1  " 
KixG  Richard  III.  iv.  4. 


SECOND  SERIES 


NEW  YORK 

DUFFIELD  &  COMPANY 
1906 


Copyright,  1906,  by 
DUFFIELD  &  COMPANY 


Published  August,  1906 


TO 
WILLIAM  BELLAMY 


CONTENTS 

PAGB 
AT  THE  SIGN  OF  THE  SPHINX      .      .  I 

ANSWERS 126 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx 

Second  Series 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx 
I 

THE  time  has  come.    The  waiting  popu- 
lace 
Breathlessly    watch    him    as    he    slowly 

mounts 
The  scaffold.    Though  his  timid,  trem- 
bling steps 
Betoken  fear,  with  calm  and  steady  gaze 
He  sees  my  whole  above  his  head.    So 

bright! 
So  glittering!  On  that  his  eyes  are  fixed. 
Garbed  all  in  white,  a  rope  about  his 

waist. 
My  first  upon  his  feet;  silent,  although 
He  suffers  agonies  untold.     But  hark! 
He  calls  for  drink.     By  some  kind  hand 

is  passed 
To  him  a  brimming  tumbler,  and  within 
He  sees  my  last  and  he  is  glad.    He 

drinks, 
Then  once   again   turns   to  my  whole. 

Brave  man! 


At  the  Sign 

He   fears   not   death,    but   murmurs   to 

himself: 
"This  only  I  desire,  that  when  I  die 
Men  say  I  did  my  work  and  did  it  well." 


oj  the  Sphinx  3 

2 

THE  scene  was  merry,  bright  and  gay 
As  I  came  to  my  first  one  day. 
Beside  my  last  I  saw  a  lass 
Dispense  refreshment  in  a  glass. 
She  was  my  first.     "My  last,"  said  I, 
"I'll  take  a  drink,  for  I  am  dry." 
Smiling,  as  she  the  goblet  passed, 
She  said,  "Here  you  my  first  my  last." 
"My  whole,"  said  I,  "ere  I  depart, 
I'll  say  that  there  is  in  my  heart 
(Just  here  the  word  must  be  reversed — ) 
A  wish  for  your  my  last  my  first." 


M 


At  the  Sign 


Y  first  is  now  before  us,  my  second  is  here 

too; 
My  whole   is  now  here  also, — and  yet 

that 's  not  quite  true. 
My  first  is, — no,  what  is  it?    That  is  for 

you  to  say; 
And  where  's  my  second,  tell  me,  yes,  tell 

me  that,  I  pray. 
And  I  will  tell  you  truly,  that  though  you 

look  around. 
You  cannot  see  my  whole  because  it 's 

nowhere  to  be  found. 


T 


oj  the  Sphinx 


HE  dusky  shadows  deepened  and  the 
night  was  drawing  on, 

A  weary  maiden  watched  my  dying  first, 
so  nearly  gone; 

She  mused  awhile  in  silence,  then  to  her- 
self she  spake, 

"Ah,  me,  but  when  to-morrow  dawns  I 
know  my  first  will  break." 

The  youth  rode  on.    Like  Scott's  brave 

knight  he  stayed  not  for  my  last; 
He  lingered  not,  nor  faltered,  but  pressed 

onward  hard  and  fast. 
Alas!  he  took  the  downward  course  with 

many  dangers  rife; 
But  just  in  time  he  used  my  last  and  so  he 

saved  his  life. 

My  whole,  by  artists  painted  and  by  poets 

often  sung. 
Thou  hast  across  the  Orient  thy  royal 

banners  flung. 
Thy  wonders  and  thy  glories  we  travel 

miles  to  see, 
And  the  benighted  wanderer  oft  sighs  in 

vain  for  thee. 


M 


At  fhe  Sign 


Y  first,   thou'rt   beautiful.     Thy  noble 

brov/, 
Thy   curving  mouth,   and   straight  and 

classic  nose, 
All,  all  are  dear  to  me.     And  though  thou 

hast 
But  scanty  raiment,  though  both  arms  are 

gone, 
And  though  some  toes  are  missing,  even 

thus, 
To  those  who  know  thee  and  who  love 

thee  well. 
Thou  art  a  thing  of  beauty  and  a  joy. 

An  ancient  poet,  famous  for  his  lyre. 
With    death    was    threatened    by    some 

wicked  rogues. 
Courageously  escaping  from  their  clutch, 
He  rode  triumphantly  upon  my  whole. 
Swiftly  propelled  and  balanced  by  my  last. 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx 

6 

Y  first  in  childhood  is  unknown, 
To  us  'tis  by  experience  shown; 
It  has  a  prominent  position 
Wherever  there  's  an  Exhibition. 


My  last,  though  old  and  like  to  die, 
Perhaps  possessing  but  one  eye; 
Are  of  small  value,  people  say. 
And  pass  them  carelessly  each  day. 
D  stands  for  them,  and  I  have  found 
Them  often  in  the  common  pound. 

My  whole,  men  struggle  to  control, 
And  with  my  last  they  meet  my  whole. 


M 


At  the  Sign 


Y  first,  although  of  use  to  men 
Is  scarcely  worth  a  stiver; 

But  when  a  twin,  it  cannot  then 
Be  managed  by  a  driver. 

My  first 's  my  second  and  my  third, 
A  thread  is  wound  around  it; 

I  lost  it  once,  and  on  my  word, 
'T  was  by  my  whole  I  found  it. 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx  9 

8 

Y  first  is  a  letter  in  juxtaposition; 
My  second  's  a  letter  in  Syro-Phoenician; 
My  third  is  a  letter  in  fanfaronade; 
My  fourth  is  a  letter  in  rhodomontade; 
My  fifth  is  a  letter  in  comicalness; 
My  whole  combines  gain  and  desirable- 
ness. 


10  At  the  Sign 


M 


Y  first  was  a  hapless  queen 
Who  died  one  day  in  Spring; 

My  first  might  stand  before  an  Earl 
But  never  before  a  King. 

My  second  is  Erin's  luck, 

The  end  of  all  success; 
My  third  is  a  Scandinavian  god 

Who  succoured  those  in  distress. 

Scientists  disagree 

About  the  immortal  soul; 
But  Evolution  seems  to  prove 

We  're  descended  from  my  whole. 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx  1 1 

lO 

Y  first  was  into  prison  cast, 

An  angel  made  my  first  my  last. 

My  first  was  hanged;  with  silent  tread 

The  mourners  came  to  view  the  dead. 

Fair  Enid,  so  the  legends  say, 

Upon  my  total  rode  away. 


12  At  the  Sign 

II 


M 


Y  powerful  first,  thou  standest  in  thy  stall, 
Many  a  man  is  held  beneath  thy  thrall; 
And  men  for  thee  will  fortunes  gladly 

spend, 
And  yet  by  man  thou  'rt  bound  and  boxed 

and  penned. 
He  stamps  upon  thee,  puts  thee  on  the 

rack. 
And  markest  thee  with  stripes  across  thy 

back. 

My  second,  goodly  joys  thou  canst  convey, 
Gladly  we  take  thy  round  from  day  to  day; 
Made  of  coarse  clay,  and  often  underbred. 
Dear  to  the  heir,  yet  buried  with  the  dead. 

My  whole,  what  honored  titles  thou  hast 

borne, 
Designed  for  use,  thou  also  dost  adorn; 
Allowed   to   roam,   yet   kept  within  the 

bound. 
By  thine  assistance  oft  the  lost  is  found. 


of  the  sphinx  13 

12 

T^  fHEN  out  from  the  clouds  the  sun  had 

My  first  of  the  people  went  to  my  first. 

My  second  and  third  may  be  covered  with 

sod, 
And  one  in  each  town  is  given  to  God. 

My  whole  is  a  dire  and  terrible  deed 
Of  which  in  Historj'  we  may  read. 


14  At  the  Sign 

13 


T 


WAS  not  my  whole, — ^and  yet  the  King 

was  there. 

A  fate  hung  in  the  balance.    Suddenly 
My    second    fell!    A    burning   flush   of 

shame 
Showed   on   the   man's   pale   face.    He 

looked  aghast, 
And  cried,  "I  can't  retract,  but  I  confess 
My   fault,   and   beg   forgiveness   of  my 

first." 


w 


of  the  Sphinx  1 5 

14 

HEN  at  an  inn  I  stopped  to  dine 

Mine  host  brought  out  some  rare  old  wine, 

It  was  a  bottle  of  his  best, 

My  first  and  second  it  possessed, 

In  peace  I  ate  and  drank  my  fill, 

Then  asked  the  waiter  for  my  bill, 

My  whole  was  charged!     I  looked  quite 

blank. 
My  whole  I  neither  ate  nor  drank. 


1 6  At  the  Sign 

15 


I 


HAD  two  gardeners  who  to  work  were 
loath, 

But  straightway  to  my  first  I  sent  them 
both. 

Such  lazy  fellows!     Yet  I  must  admit 

A  lazier  one  could  be, — my  second  's  it. 

The  ancients'  art  my  whole  doth  repre- 
sent, 

A  perfect  figure  softly  curved  and  bent. 


H 


of  the  Sphinx  I J 

i6 

ENRY  the  Eighth  grew  tired  of  life 
With  Catherine,  his  lawful  wife. 
But  for  divorce  he  'd  no  decree; 
Enraged,    the   King   cried,    "One,    two, 
three!" 

But  soon  my  first  gave  up  her  soul, 
Her  body  was  no  more  my  whole. 


l8  At  the  Sign 

17 


A 


SAD,  mad  maiden,  with  a  fair,  sweet  face 
Oflfered  my  first,  and  called  it  herb  of 
grace. 

My  last  is  made  of  common  clay,  but  then 
He  's  liked  extremely  by  his  fellow-men. 

When  I  would  seek  instruction  for  my 

soul, 
I  take  my  prayer-book  down  and  read 

my  whole. 


o 


of  the  Sphinx  19 

18 

NE  gained  and  kept  the  foremost  place, 
And  by  my  first  he  won  the  race. 


My  second  is  exceeding  black 
And  often  follows  after  Jack. 

In  old  mythology  we  read 

My  whole  was  served  by  Ganymede. 


20  At  the  Sign 

19 


A 


N  old  philosopher  was  my  last, 
And  his  wife  was  my  first  in  the  distant 
past. 

Select  two  sticks  that  are  smooth  and 

straight, 
Lay  them  with  care  and  precision  great, 
One  north  and  south,  one  east  and  west, 
They  are  my  whole,  it  must  be  confessed. 


o}  the  Sphinx  2 1 

20 

^O  the  grandest  of  monarchs  that  ever  was 

seen 
My  first  was  presented  by  Sheba's  fair 

queen. 

Far,  far  away  back  in  the  ages  long  past, 
According  to  science,  the  earth  was  my 
last. 

My  whole,  on  a  rock,  is  reputed  to  be 
A  danger  encountered  by  sailors  at  sea. 


22  At  the  Sign 

21 

WISE  old  proverb  advises  all 
To  catch  my  last  if  my  first  should  fall. 

A  poet,  who  with  genius  glowed, 
Wrote  to  my  whole  a  famous  ode. 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx  23 

22 

Y  last  are  celebrated,  noted,  learned: 
Some  will  not  come  for  years,  and  some 

are  gone — 
Ah,  never  to  return.     And  only  one 
We  may  with  truthfulness  assert,  exists. 
And  yet  my  first  can  buy  them,  eat  them 

too. 
And  set  them  if  he  choose;  and  upon  one 
Of  them  he  may  perhaps  send  forth  my 

whole; 
Or  on  it  may  perhaps  inscribe  my  whole; 
Or  on  my  whole  he  may  inscribe  my  last. 


24  At  the  Sign 

23 

T  II  7HETHER  in  winter's  cold  or  summer's 

My  lady  trails  my  first  along  the  street. 

My  second  figures  in  a  certain  nine; 
One  of  a  celebrated  Roman  line. 

Scientists  have  a  theory  that  my  third 
Makes   music, — but   it   never   has   been 
heard. 

A  couple  of  my  whole  go  to  a  ball; 
And  on  my  whole  is  room  enough  for  alL 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  2$ 

24 

Y  first  is  made  of  clay 

And  holds  a  growing  palm; 
My  second  brings  a  day 

When  all  the  air  seems  balm; 
My  whole  is  quite  a  clever  feat 

Performed  by  many  a  young  athlete. 


26  At  the  Sign 

25 

MY  first 's  possessed  by  men  and  dogs  and 
goats, 
By  houses,  churches,  books  and  hats  and 
coats. 

My  second  was  a  maiden  young  and  fair, 
Entrusted  to  a  guardian's  watchful  care. 

He  who  's  my  whole  cannot  achieve  great 

fame; 
Read  my  whole  backward  and  it  spells 

the  same. 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx  27 

26 

Y   first,    though   scrutinized   with   close 

inspections 
Is  found  above  all  human  imperfections. 
I  hold  it  in  my  hand, — yet  though  polite, 
'T  is  of  no  use  to  me  while  in  my  sight. 
But  still  'tis  felt,  and  in  my  secret  soul 
Upon  reflection,  I  commend  my  whole. 
Now   nothing   can   describe   my   second 

better 
Than  the  last  part  of  a  well-written  letter. 
My  whole  cannot  escape  his  fate  so  sad, 
Tradition  tells  us  all  his  race  goes  mad. 


28  At  the  Sign 

27 

M 


Y  first 's  a  sum  of  money  that  I  have  never 

seen 
Though  I  have  earned  it  often  and  spent 

it  too,  I  ween. 


When   money  is  my  second   'tis  often 

hard  to  get; 
My  second  is  a  pretty  sight,  although  it 's 

rather  wet. 

My  whole  's  a  sad  misfortune  caused  by 

a  summer  rain; 
It  makes  much  trouble  in  my  first,  and 

goes  against  the  grain. 


of  the  Sphinx  29 

28 

TO  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  on  the  plain 
Was  sent  a  fiery  storm  of  brimstone  rain; 

When  o'er  the  towns  the  fearful  torrent 

burst, 
One  was  destroyed,  the  other  was  my 

first. 


My  last  we  waste  and  spend,  but  cannot 

save; 
And  on  it  we  'U  be  carried  to  our  grave. 

My  whole  the  rich  and  poor  alike  may 

claim, 
But  soon  it  will  possess  another  name. 


30  At  the  Sign 

29 


TO  win  my  first  men  struggle  all  their 
lives, — 
Yet  willingly  present  it  to  their  wives. 


The    wise    man    no    great    fortune    has 

amassed, 
But  lives  his  life  contented  with  my  last. 

An  infant  is  my  whole  at  early  age; 
And  Lot's  wife  was  my  whole  on  Script- 
ure's page. 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  31 

30 

EN  travel  in  my  first, 
Although  perhaps  it 's  risky; 

My  first  goes  round  on  wheels, 
Though  not  exactly  frisky. 

Some  may  detest  charades, 
And  puzzles  may  distress  them. 

But  still  they  must  admit 
It  takes  my  last  to  guess  them. 

Now  all  that  I  have  said 

Is  useless  in  the  telling, 
Unless  you  take  the  word 

According  to  its  spelling. 

But  if  you  would  prefer 

A  varied  information, 
We  '11  now  divide  it  up 

By  its  pronunciation. 

And  then  we  see  my  first. 

Scaly  and  sticky-jointed 
Upon  a  rounded  base, 

And  very  neatly  jointed. 


32  At  the  Sign 

My  second  then  becomes 
A  homed  beast,  and  hairy; 

Or  else  a  lovely  lace. 
Fit  to  bedeck  a  fairy. 

When  merry  Yuletide  comes. 
And  Christmas  joys  returning, 

In  the  old  hall  we  '11  sit. 
And  watch  my  total  burning. 


ol  the  Sphinx  33 

31 

THERE  was  a  bachelor  in  days  of  old, 
Who  wished  to  get  himself  a  wife,  we  're 
told. 

And  so  desirous  of  a  wife  was  he. 

He  started  off  to  London,  one,  two,  three. 

He  must  have  found  one  to  delight  his 

soul. 
Because   soon   after   they   returned   my 

whole. 


34  ^^  i^e  Sign 

32 


M 


Y  first,  before  the  fray  had  ceased, 
Offered  my  whole  for  my  last  beast; 
Or  Shakespeare  telk  us  so  at  least. 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx  35 

33 

Y  first  is  given  and  received,  a  blessing 

and  a  bane; 
You  may  buy  it  at  the  station,  get  it  gratis 

on  the  train; 
You  may  find  it  in  a  puppet-booth  or  in 

a  banquet-hall. 
And  I  think  perhaps  the  Roman  is  the 

noblest  of  them  all. 

'Twas  in  my  second,  long  ago,  brave  men 

put  out  to  sea; 
And  at  a  garden-fete  I  saw  my  second 

flowing  free; 
And  I  leaned  against  my  second  of  strong 

and  solid  oak, 
But   as  I  grasped  my  second,   alas,   it 

dropped  and  broke. 

My  whole  at  Christmas  seasons  with  holly 

we  entwine; 
Upon  the  old  Whig  taverns  't  was  painted 

as  a  sign; 
But  in  its  depths  lurk  dangers,  from  its 

floating  cakes  of  ice 
To  its  balmy  breath  of  sugar-cane,  its 

tropic  fruits  and  spice. 


36  At  the  Sign 

34 


o 


NCE  I  passed  through  my  whole.    'T  was 

beautiful; 

'T  was  like  a  fairy-land,  so  gay,  so  glad, 
So  free  from  care  and  sorrow.     For  a 

time 
I  staid.     Yet  eagerly  desired  the  day 
When  I  might  leave  its  simple  joys.     Ah 

me, 
If  but  I  might  return  to  them  again! 
My  first  is  always  in  my  whole.     Some- 
times 
My  first  is  in  my  last.     When,  long  ago, 
Red  Ridinghood  on  kindly  errand  bent. 
Walked  to  her  grandam's  cot  across  the 

wood, 
My  last  was  on  my  first. 


0}  the  Sphinx  37 

35 

A  SPIRIT  rising  in  the  air,  continued  still 
to  fight; 
It  was  my  first,  who,  when  alive,  put  sav- 
age hordes  to  flight. 
And  for  my  total,  years  had  filled  the 

Romans  with  my  last. 
And  at  his  grim  and  ghastly  blade  the 
conquerors  looked  aghast. 


38  At  the  Sign 

36 


M 


Y  first  a  well  known  character  on  ancient 

history's  page; 
His  wooden  effigy  is  sold  for  youth  of 

tender  age. 
My  second  's  very  wicked,  and  Holy  Writ 

declares 
Of  those  who  made  my  second  and  the 

punishing  she  bears. 
My  whole  hangs  from  the  branching  trees, 
Swayed  lightly  by  a  passing  breeze. 


I 


of  the  Sphinx  39 

37 

N  gorgeous  splendor,  once  upon  a  time 

My  second  reigned  in  Afric's  sunny  clime; 

A  slave  provoked  his  monarch's  royal  ire, 

And  stood  before  him  under  sentence  dire. 

"My  first,  my  last,"  he  stammered,  "pity 
me! 

Must  I  obey  thy  horrible  decree? 

Oh,  thou  who  over  millions  hast  con- 
trol—" 

One  word  the  magnate  uttered,  't  was  my 
whole. 


40  A(  the  Sign 

38 

GREAT   Shakespeare   was   my   first;  yet 
when  he  died 
He  left  my  first.     By  loving  hands  his 

clay 
Was  laid  my  second  in  the  tomb.     And 

now 
His  tombstone  to  the  traveler  seems  to 

speak, 
And  say,  "My  second!  here  's  my  first!  " 
The  fair  Ophelia,  gentle,  hapless  soul. 
Sank  to  a  watery  grave  beneath  my  whole. 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  4 1 

39 

Y  first  was  a  scholarly  Scotchman  of  note, 
Discourses  and  essays  he  learnedly  wrote, 
ISIy  second  was  found  in  the  post,  such  a 

scrawl! 
That  letter  never  was  opened  at  all. 
My  third  's  made  of  flesh  and  sinew  and 

bone. 
My  first,  I  suppose  had  two  of  his  own; 
My  whole  is  a  man  delightful  to  folks 
Who  enjoy  reading  jocular  jingles  and 

jokes. 


42  At  the  Sign 

40 


A 


T  my  first  was  my  friend. 

We  went  for  my  last; 
I  'd  a  half-hour  to  spend, 
At  my  first  was  my  friend; 
As  we  went  round  the  bend 

O'er  my  total  we  passed. 
At  my  first  was  my  friend, 

We  went  for  my  last. 


A 


oj  the  Sphinx  43 

41 

H,  distinctly  I  remember 
'T  was  my  first  and  not  December, 
And  each  separate  dying  ember  wrought 
its  ghost  upon  the  floor, 

Eagerly  I  wished  the  morrow, 
Vainly  I  had  sought  to  borrow 
In  my  last,  surcease  of  sorrow,  sorrow  for 
the  lost  Lenore. 

For  my  whole  so  rare  and  radiant, 
Whom  the  angels  name  Lenore — 
Nameless  here  forevermore. 


44  ^^  ihe  Sign 

42 

SAFE  from  the  cold  December  storm, 
I  sat  by  my  whole  so  bright  and  warm, 
When  the  cry  of  my  first  I  plainly  heard. 
My  last  sprang  up  without  a  word; 
And  panic-stricken,  in  sudden  fright, 
We  rushed  out  into  the  winter  night. 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  45 

43 

EN  often  strive  my  first  to  gain 

By  strength  or  skill,  by  speed  or  worth; 

It  causes  deepest  woe  and  pain, 

It  causes  also  joy  and  mirth. 

I  watched  a  tennis-player  serve. 

And  through  the  air  the  ball  whizzed  fast, 

But  took  an  unexpected  curve; 

The  umpire  said  it  was  my  last. 

With  thoughtful  eyes  and  puzzled  brow, 
It  is  my  whole  you  're  reading  now. 


46  At  the  Sign 

44 


B 


ENEATH  the  Roman  Eagle's  glory, 
Great  Caesar,  famed  in  song  and  story. 
Triumphant  banners  floating  o'er  him, 
Carried  my  Roman  first  before  him. 

In  springtime  days  of  sunny  weather. 
When  lads  and  lassies  dance  together. 
Around  the  May-pole  gaily  flying. 
They  are  my  last,  there  's  no  denying. 

A  gallant  knight  and  lovely  lady 
Were  sauntering  down  a  pathway  shady; 
He  offered  her,  with  words  beguiling. 
My  whole,  which  she  accepted,  smiling. 


oj  the  Sphinx  47 

45 

A  SOLDIER  of  the  rebels  lay  dying  in  the 
field; 
A  brave  but  sturdy  fighter,  he  could  fall 

but  could  not  yield. 
But  a  comrade  stood  beside  him  while  his 

life-blood  trickled  fast, 
And  bent,  with  pitying  glances,  to  wrap 

him  in  my  last. 
Seeking  his  country's  glory,  e'en  in  the 

cannon's  mouth. 
Though  in  the  midst  of  bloodshed,  my 

first  stood  for  the  South. 
The  dying  soldier  faltered  as  he  took  his 

comrade's  hand, 
Saying,  "Make  my  whole,  my  brother, 

it  is  my  last  command." 


48  At  the  Sign 

46 


H 


OPING  my  first  kind  Heaven  will  send 
her, 

The  suppliant  prays  on  bended  knee. 
Like  Little  Billee,  "young  and  tender," 

We  all  desire  my  last  shall  be. 
So  that  she  might  become  my  whole 
God  breathed  in  Eve  a  living  soul. 


D 


of  the  Sphinx  49 

47 

OROTHY  DAUBER  sat  serene, 

Painting  my  total  on  a  screen, 

When  a  little  mouse  went  scampering  o'er 

Dorothy  Dauber's  yellow  floor. 

Dorothy,  with  a  piercing  cry. 

Clambered  up  on  a  table  high; 

My  first  went  madly  rushing  past 

Waving  vigorously  my  last. 

Such  a  commotion  in  the  house. 

And  all  on  account  of  a  little  mouse. 


so  At  the  Sign 

48 

MY  first,  of  high  degree, 
Thousands  succumb  to  thee — 
In  Oriental  countries  thou  art  found; 
Beneath  thy  mighty  power 
Thy  fainting  victims  cower, 
Thy   greatness   brings   them   prostrate   to   the 
ground. 

Unhonored  and  unsung, 

My  second  was,  when  young, 

Beheaded  by  a  tyrant's  stern  decree; 

Her  home  and  friends  she  left, 
Her  children  were  bereft, 

Yet  martyred  in  a  worthy  cause  was  she. 

In  far  Afghanistan, 

In  China  and  Japan, 
On  Greenland's  ice  and  India's  coral  strands; 

My  whole  in  mighty  hordes. 

So  history  records, 
Worship  their  idols  in  barbaric  bands. 


I 


oj  the  Sphinx  5  I 

49 

N  a  little  old  school-house  that  stood  on 

a  hill 
A  little  old  schoolmaster  taught  with  a 

will. 
But  over  his  pupils  he  had  no  control; 
They  said  he  was  crusty  and  cross  and 

my  whole. 
And  the  rascals  declared  it  would  serve 

him  just  right 
To  play  him  a  practical  joke  some  fine 

night. 
So  down  to  the  river  they  went,  and  they 

took 
My  first  from  my  last  of  the  dark,  muddy 

brook. 
Then  they  eagerly  hurried,  yet  still  as  a 

mouse. 
Till  they  came  to  the  little  old  school- 
master's house. 
They  smuggled  my  first  in  my  last  with 

great  glee, 
And  chuckled  to  think  how  irate  he  would 

be. 


52  At  the  Sign 

50 

LEAVING  my  whole  with  grief  and  pain 
Columbus  sailed  across  the  main. 
He  came  at  last  to  western  lands 
And  saw  the  Red  Men's  savage  bands. 
They  were  my  last,  they  were  my  first, 
Columbus'  fears  were  then  dispersed. 


oj  the  Sphinx  5  3 

51 

^ROM  history's  truthful  page, 

We  all  of  us  may  know 
My  first  was  strongly  built 

Thousands  of  years  ago. 
The  books  of  ancient  lore 

We  read  again  and  see 
That  long  before  my  first 

My  whole  was  said  to  be. 

And  people  who  lived  then, 

Had  surely  never  heard 
Of  the  20th  century 

My  second  and  my  third. 


54  At  the  Sign 

52 


M 


Y  grandsire  in  the  Mayflower  came  across 

the  raging  waters, 
And  so  I  sought  to  join  the  Revolutionary 

Daughters. 
I  studied  up  my  pedigree,  and  when  my 

search  was  ended, 
I  learned  to  my  chagrin  that  from  my 

first  I  had  descended. 

The  cashier  left  his  books  in  wild  confu- 
sion and  disorder, 

And  started  to  my  last  across  the  far  Cana- 
dian border. 

My  whole  is  used  by  artisans  of  ever}' 

clime  and  nation, 
The  blacksmith's  need,  the  mason's  pride, 

the  school-girl's  detestation. 


o}  the  Sphinx  5  5 

53 

THE  breaking  waves  dashed  high, 
The  vessel  rose  and  fell; 
My  first  was  drenched  from  end  to  end 
With  every  heavy  swell. 

The  vivid  lightning  flashed, 

The  awful  thunder  boomed. 
"Unless  my  last  is  sent  to  us," 

The  captain  said,  "we're  doomed.'* 

The  tempest  cleared  away 

Before  the  morning  light. 
"Within  my  whole,"  the  captain  said, 

"I  've  not  seen  such  a  night." 


56  At  the  Sign 

54 


M 


Y  first,  with  the  meek  brown  eyes, 
In  whose  orbs  a  shadow  hes. 
Standing  with  reluctant  feet 
Where  the  brook  and  river  meet, 
If  where  wild-flowers  blossom  rank, 
You  my  last  upon  the  bank, 
Down  the  hillside  you  may  roll 
And  play  havoc  with  my  whole. 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx  5  7 

55 

Y  first,  men  call  thee  wicked,  and  perhaps 

they  may  be  right, 
Yet  I  contend  thou  shouldst  be  judged 

according  to  thy  light. 

My  last,  thou  art  a  messenger  received 

with  joy  or  dread, — 
Frequently  driven,  very  deaf,  found  in  an 

humble  shed. 

My  whole,  of  upright  bearing,  and  found 
in  many  lands. 

In  order  to  be  seen  of  men,  upon  street- 
comers  stands. 


58  At  the  Sign 

56 

THE  vast  hosts  of  Egypt,  at  Pharaoh's  de- 
cree, 

All  blazing  in  armor  marched  down  to  the 
■    sea. 

The  plot  was  devised  in  a  moment  of  rage, 

By  my  last,  who  committed  my  first 
'gainst  a  sage. 

A  dry  way  through  the  sea  for  the  hosts 
was  revealed; 

But  this  availed  naught,  for  their  dark 
doom  was  sealed; 

The  furious  billows  no  power  could  con- 
trol, 

And  'neath  the  dark  waters  they  soon  were 
my  whole. 


of  the  Sphinx  59 

57 

CLAD  in  his  ermine  and  his  robes  of  state, 
The  haughty  king  in  pomp  and  splendor 
sate. 

And  'mong  the  crowds  which  thronged 
the  regal  chair, 

My  first  approached,  and  looked  upon  him 
there, 

She,  too,  with  white-furred  robe  and  gen- 
tle mien, 

And  noble  air  and  countenance  serene. 

"What  does  she  here?  "  grumbled  a 
doughty  knight. 

The  king  replied,  "The  world  hath  said 
she   might." 

I  walked  across  a  sunny  field  one  day, 

And  saw  an  old  man  working  by  the  way. 

"How  is  my  last,  old  man?  "  I  gaily  said. 

"My  last?  "  said  he,  and  bent  his  grizzled 
head. 

"How  is  my  last?  "    I  said  it  o'er  again. 

"My  last?  "  he  said  (he  seemed  per- 
plexed), and  then — 

"Is  my  last  good?  "  I  asked  of  him  once 
more. 

"Fine,  sir,"  he  said;  "better  than  e'er 
before." 


6o  At  the  Sign 

Across  the  ocean's  wave  my  total  lies; 
And,  as  Lord  Tennyson  in  verse  implies, 
Is  dull  and  undesirable;  but  still, 
I  'd  gladly  travel  there,  had  I  my  will. 


M 


o]  the  Sphinx  6l 

58 

Y  first,  a  graceful  shape,  a  lady  fair, 
Walking  the  earth,  suspended  in  the  air; 
Shrill-voiced    and    brazen-tongued,    low- 
toned  and  sweet, 
Shining  and  dull,  discordant  and  discreet. 

The  jolly  fisherman,  his  day's  work  o'er, 
Walks  with  his  string  of  fish  along  the 

shore; 
Knowing  they  '11  make  a  bountiful  repast, 
He  proudly  takes  them  homeward  to  my 

last. 

Once  in  my  whole  a  lovely  maiden  swung, 
And  ever  since  we  've  heard  her  praises 
sung. 


62  At  the  Sign 

59 


A 


WELL  known  ballad  has  rehearsed 
The  placid  waters  of  my  first. 
The  hero  bold,  his  noble  friend, 
The  heroine's  sad,  untimely  end, 
Why  by  a  traitor  was  immersed 
Beneath  the  waters  of  my  first. 
Another  ballad  I  could  name 
Describes  the  doings  of  a  dame; 
Her  home-life,  and  her  walks  abroad, 
And  her  companions.     We  are  awed 
At  all  the  tales  her  memories  tell, 
And  what  strange  happenings  befell. 
'T  is  said  that  she  went  to  my  last. 
Now  this  we  know:  that  if  she  passed 
Into  my  last,  and  did  n't  hand 
My  last,  according  to  demand, 
'T  was  not  my  last,  and  we  may  say 
She  was  a  deadhead  in  her  day. 
My  whole  's  desired  by  every  one 
From  day  to  day,  from  -sun  to  sun. 
For  it  we  pray,  we  work,  we  earn; 
Look  out  for  it  at  every  turn. 
And  when  at  last  we  've  had  our  day, 
My  last  my  first  we  '11  have  to  say. 


I 


of  the  Sphinx  63 

60 

MET  my  whole  in  a  far-distant  land, 
Shiftless  and  wild  he  roamed  upon  the 

sand. 
"Are  you  my  last?  "  with  sudden  fear  I 

said. 
He  only  said  my  first,  and  wagged  his 

head. 
Yet  but  reverse  the  letters  of  my  whole, 
A  friend  we  see,  a  noble  loving  soul. 


64  At  the  Sign 

6i 

THE  banners  were  waving,  gems  glittered 
and  shone, 
When  my  first  and  my  second  ascended 

the  throne, 
And  peacefully  reigned  with  a  merciful 

sway 
In  glory  and  splendor.     But  one  summer 

day 
A  message  was  brought  to  the  court  and 

the  state 
That  the  king  was  not  coming,  the  session 

must  wait. 
A  great  consternation  o'er  all  faces  spread; 
They  whispered  in  sorrow,  "Alack  for  his 

head!  " 
And  the  courtiers  echoed,  "Alas  for  his 

poll! 
Oh,  who  can  now  help  him,  his  head  is 

my  whole!  " 


I 


of  the  Sphinx  65 

62 

KNOW  a  boy;  his  name  's  my  last. 

And  yet  he  is  my  first, 
Because  of  all  the  scamps  I  know, 
He  really  is  the  worst. 

I  saw  him  tumble  down  to-day 

And  on  the  pavement  roll; 
I  saw  him  fight  another  boy, 

I  saw  him  get  my  whole. 

His  old  cap  was  my  whole,  I  think; 

A  tattered  coat  he  had, 
And  yet,  withal,  he  seemed  to  be 

A  very  merry  lad. 


66  At  the  Sign 

63 


M 


Y  first,  untidy  though  thou  art, 
A  noted  writer,  and  a  scribe, 

This  trait  of  thine  hath  won  my  heart: 
Thy  kindness  to  the  feathered  tribe. 

My  second  dwells  among  the  hills, 
Or  lives  on  India's  coral  strand; 

And  many  hearts  with  fear  it  thrills 
When  marching  in  a  mighty  band. 

Sailing  upon  the  summer  seas, 

I  watch  the  yachts  and  pleasure  boats 

Spurred  on  by  the  propelling  breeze — 
How  gracefully  my  total  floats! 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  6/ 

64 

Y  first  is  good  when  it 's  alone; 

The  best  ones  are  our  mothers'  ; 
And  though  we  have  it  of  our  own, 

We  're  apt  to  take  another's. 

In  many  devious  paths  we  stray 
When  by  my  first  we  're  beckoned; 

And  by  my  first  we  're  dragged  away, 
Or  else  we  are  my  second. 

Sometimes  my  second  may  be  shot, 
Which  brings  much  grief  and  dole; 

But  when  my  second  's  very  hot 
It  cannot  be  my  whole. 


6S  At  the  Sign 

65 

FIRST    sign    of    Liberty!    My  first    has 
stood 
For  half  a  hundred  years,  and  still  is  good 
For    half    a    hundred    more.     My    last, 

though  thin, 
Though    old    and    bent,    yet    lithe    and 

strong,  has  been 
Strung  up  for  killing  U.  S.  Army  men, 
Perhaps  deprived  them  of  my  whole;  and 

when 
My  whole  is  lacking,  he  would  be  a  goose 
Who  said  most  stovepipes  are  of  any  use. 


w 


oj  the  Sphinx  69 

66 

HEN  hunting  my  last  in  the  forest  I  heard 
In  my  first,  as  I  passed,  the  song  of  a  bird; 
If  you  seek  in  my  whole  you  '11  discover 
the  word. 


70  At  the  Sign 

67 


M 


Y  second  once  again  is  running  clear, 
The  young  green  of  my  whole  begins  to 

appear, 
All  things  my  first  to  show  that  spring  is 

here. 


of  the  Sphinx  yt 

68 

MY  whole  was  a  queen 
Of  disconsolate  mien 
Who  built  a  large  pile  in  the  past; 
In  sorrow  immersed, 
She  vowed  to  my  first, 
And  that 's  what  she  vowed  to  my  last. 


72  At  the  Sign 

69 


I 


F  my  last  could  be  placed  upon  my  first, 
The  world  would  be  the  better; 

My  whole  must  be  carefully  rehearsed 
If  you  'd  write  a  perfect  letter. 

My  last  has  been  laid  upon  my  last; 

Bad  men  in  my  first  are  living; 
My  whole  's  a  doctor  who  may  be  classed 

Among  the  pleasure-giving. 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  73 

70 

Y  first  is  the  well  known  historical  home 

Of  a  noted  historical  lady; 
My  first  in  strange  countries  is  oft  known 
to  roam, 

Or  along  a  green  path  cool  and  shady. 

My  first  is  my  lady's  great  pride  and  de- 
light, 
Yet  they  say  the  fair  sex  cannot  do  it; 
My  first  stamps  the  home,  though  't  is  oft 
out  of  sight; 
When  I  was  a  child  I  went  through  it. 

My  last  is  a  very  queer  book,  so  men  say. 
So  scarce  that  we  rarely  can  find  it; 

A  most  welcome  caller,  a  place  far  away, 
'T  is  twisted,  yet  still  we  can  wind  it. 

My  whole,  a  great  healer,  thy  power  I 
allow, 
Though  others  thy  help  may  be  scorn- 
ing; 
For  ere  I  go  worldward,  to  thee  I  must 
bow, 
And    beseech    thine    assistance    each 
morning. 


74  ^^  ihe  Sign 

71 


w 


EN  brave  Leander  was  immersed, 
And  through  the  waters  passed, 
We  're  very  sure  he  was  my  first, 
But  he  was  not  my  last. 


And  my  whole  garments  which  he  wore,- 

This  young  enthusiast, — 
Laid  in  my  first  upon  the  shore, 

Would  have  become  my  last. 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  75 

72 

Y  first  is  my  last,  and  my  first  is  my 
whole; 

My  whole  is  my  last  and  my  first; 
My  whole  is  a  ball  I  attempted  to  roll, 

But  I  think  of  all  balls  't  was  the  worst. 


76  At  the  Sign 

73 


M 


Y  first  is  old  and  yellow, 

Withered  and  seamed  by  age; 

A  most  discerning  fellow, 
Oracular  and  sage. 

My  last  comes  in  the  winter, 

But  not  in  storm  or  blast; 
The  sluggard  and  the  printer 

Will  often  take  my  last. 

My  whole  is  a  goddess  of  fabulous  fame. 
Or  a  long  line  of  articles,  somewhat  the 
same. 


A 


of  the  Sphinx  JJ 

74 

KING  had  many  wives, 

Of  whom  my  first  was  one; 
He  spoiled  their  happy  lives, 

Apparently  for  fun. 

And  some  he  sent  away, 

Of  home  and  friends  bereft; 

Of  some,  ere  they  could  pray. 
The  steel  my  last  had  cleft. 

With  each,  successively, 

The  King  found  some  pretext 

For  banishment;  and  he 
Would  then  my  whole  the  next. 


78  At  the  Sign 

7S 

A  TRAVELER  rode  hard  and  fast, 
Shivering  with  cold  and  dread. 
"If  I  can  but  reach  my  first  in  my  last, 
I  shall  then  be  safe,"  he  said. 

The  way  was  rocky  and  dark  and  steep, 

My  last  was  flying  past; 
He   sought   for  an  inn  where  he  might 
sleep, 

Sheltered  from  storm  and  blast. 

He  traveled  on,  through  mud  and  mire, 
When,  to  his  great  delight. 

He  saw  an  inn  and  a  friendly  fire, 
And  went  there  for  the  night. 

And  from  him  shouts  of  laughter  burst — 

He  reveled  in  my  whole. 
Which  quickly  made  my  last  my  first. 

And  cheered  his  lonely  soul. 


I 


oj  the  Sphinx  79 

76 

NOW  glory  to  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  from 
whom  all  glories  are, 
And  glory  to  our  sovereign  liege,  King 
Henry  of  Navarre! 

He  was  my  first,  a  mighty  man,  a  warrior 

for  the  right; 
He  showed  my  whole,  and  went  my  first 

when  he  my  last  to  fight. 

Although  my  last  is  duty's  cry,  with  some 

it  goes  for  naught; 
In  all  adventures  have  my  whole,  if  you 

would  not  be  caught. 


8o  At  the  Sign 

77 


H 


IGH  in  my  first  they  waved  the  flag, 
'Mid  shouts  of  wild  applause; 

And  soldiers  brave  marched  to  my  first, 
And  fought  to  win  the  cause. 

Without  my  second  we  could  not 
Assert  that  ** Right  is  might," 

Nor  "Virtue  is  its  own  reward," 
Nor  other  proverbs  trite. 

My  last  we  all  admit  to  be 

A  blessing  unsurpassed; 
Though  some  would  give  my  last  for  all, 

Some  give  all  for  my  last. 

We  often  pass  my  total  by 

With  but  a  hurried  look; 
And  though  we  cannot  read  it,  yet 

We  find  it  in  a  book. 


I 


oj  the  Sphinx  8 1 

78 

WAS  sitting  in  my  study- 
In  my  first  the  fire  was  ruddy, 
And  I  watched  it  as  I  idly  clasped  my 
whole; 
Though  a  sober  man  I  'm  reckoned, 
To  my  lips  I  raised  my  second, 

For  I  never  was  addicted  to  the  bowl. 

I  was  waiting  for  my  daughter, 
And  at  last  I  went  and  sought  her — 

She  has  tresses  like  a  golden  aureole; 
But  she  hastily  retreated. 
For  her  face  was  flushed  and  heated, 

And  her  pretty  curls  were  clustering 
round  my  whole. 


82  At  the  Sign 

79 


M 


Y  first  did  my  last 
To  make  my  whole; 

His  day  is  past, 
Poor,  restless  soull 


s 


of  the  Sphinx  83 

80 

OME  things  we  could  well  do  without; 

In  my  total  we  gather  with  care. 
If  my  last  ever  lived,  I  've  no  doubt 

That  he  is  my  first,  now,  somewhere. 


84  At  the  Sign 

8r 

MY  whole  's  very  narrow,  but  oft  it  may  be 
A  way  of  escape  that  is  welcomed  with 

glee. 
My  first,  although  swift,  sometimes  loses 

the  race; 
It  is  seen  when  we  look  a  friend  in  the 

face. 
My  last  we  may  estimate,  measure,  or 

guess. 
The  width  of  a  coat  and  the  length  of  a 

dress. 


of  the  Sphinx  85 

82 

ALTHOUGH  his  course  the  captain  could 
my  whole  to  a  degree, 
Called  to  my  first,  he  was  my  last  upon  a 
stormy  sea. 


86  At  the  Sign 

83 


Y 


OU  can  turn  my  first,  and  it  gives  a  nod; 

You  can  turn  my  last  if  you  will; 
But  the  more  you  try  to  turn  my  whole, 

The  more  it  stands  stock-still. 


w 


oj  the  Sphinx  Zj 

84 

HEN  the  story  about  Looking  Backward 
we  read, 

We  learn  of  a  strange  human  being, 
Who  turned  to  my  first;  unlike  many 
deed, 
The  trouble  was  caused  by  far-seeing. 

In  my  second  (though  flowing  with  honey, 
I  've  heard) 
I  hope  I  shall  ne'er  be  a  dweller; 
And  yet  from  my  first  to  my  second  and 
third 
Is  as  far  as  from  attic  to  cellar. 

My  whole  comes  in  pairs,  and  is  useful  to 
all. 
Though  its  style  may  be  out  of  all  rea- 
son; 
Its  fashions  are  changing,  now  large  and 
now  small. 
And  we  're  glad  if  itholdsbut  a  season. 


88  At  the  Sign 

8S 


T 


HE  sparkling  wine  was  bright  and  red; 
't  was  tempting,  but,  alas! 

Full  well  I  knew  my  whole,  unseen,  was 
lurking  in  the  glass. 

And  when,  with  wily  argument,  they  of- 
fered it  to  me, 

I  said  I  would  not  drink,  and  what  I  one, 
two,  three! 


M 


oj  the  Sphinx  89 

Z6 

Y  first,  when  full,  holds  many  a  pound; 
In  my  last  of  my  first  a  duke  was  drowned. 
My  first  of  Troy  is  much  renowned; 
My  last  an  obstacle  oft  is  found; 
'Mid  songs  and  dances  they  heard  the 

sound 
Of  my  whole  one  time  when  a  king  was 

crowned. 


90  At  the  Sign 

87 


M 


Y  first  can  boast  a  head  and  tail, 

Has  feathers  and  an  eye, 
And  sometimes  wings;  yet  what  avail? 

It  cannot  walk  or  fly. 

And  St.  Paul  was  my  first,  we  're  told; 

And  my  first  may  be  bought 
In  bottles, — but  though  rare  and  old, 

Its  value  's  almost  naught. 

Out  of  my  last  my  first  is  made, 

My  last  is  in  a  crown; 
And  heroes  wield  its  shining  blade 

For  glory  and  renown. 

My  whole,  a  marvel  of  brute  force 
With  human  power  combined; 

We  never  see  it  now,  of  course, 
We  've  left  it  far  behind. 


M 


0}  the  Sphinx  91 

88 

Y  first,  the  Scriptures  say,  in  Eden  grew. 
Pronounce  its  letters — there  's  my  whole 

for  you! 
My  last  name  to  myself  I  can't  apply; 
My  whole,  tradition  says,  could  never  lie. 


92  At  the  Sign 

89 


M 


Y  last  was  very  tall  and  very  slim 
So  all  his  people  made  a  mock  of  him; 
Their  jeerings  worried  him  and  grieved 
his  soul; 
And  when  a  clown  with  jest  and  laughter 

passed, 
And  said,  "Aha!  you  are  my  first,  my 
last!  " 
He  said,  "Don't  speak  to  me;  I  am  my 
whole, " 


I 


oj  the  Sphinx  93 

90 

'D  oft  be  thankful,  could  I  be  my  whole; 
And  yet  I  would  not  always  be  my  whole; 
I  woo  my  first,  that  I  may  be  my  whole; 
Cockneys  call  her  my  last;  but  in  my 

whole 
When  to  my  first  I  go,  I  am  my  whole. 


94  ^^  i^^  3^^ 

91 


"A 


BIRD  in  the  hand  is  worth  two  in  the 
bush," 

How  often  we  've  heard  those  old  words, 
And  my  total,  I  have  it  on  evidence  strong, 

Is  exactly  the  worth  of  two  birds. 

The  dome  of  St.  Paul's  is  my  first,  my 
last; 
The  dome  of  St.  Peter's  is,  too; 
But  if  you  should  go  there  and  see  for 
yourself. 
You  would  say  that  this  is  n't  true. 


T 


of  the  Sphinx  95 

92 

IS   growing  dusk,   yet  in  the  gathering 

gloom 

I  still  can  see  two  faces  in  the  room. 
On  one  face  two  of  my  first  I  can  spy, 
And  on  the  other  twenty  I  descry. 
And  of  my  second,  one  face  shows  me 

none 
While  I  see  five  upon  the  other  one. 
My  whole  is  on  one  face;  but  placed  with 

care 
Above  the  other  rests  on  shining  hair. 


96  At  the  Sign 

93 


M 


Y  first  grows  by  the  riverside, 
And  in  the  fields  it  has  been  seen; 

'T  is  raised  on  poles,  the  country's  pride, 
Dear  to  the  peasant  and  the  queen. 

The  men  had  many  battles  braved. 
And  on  my  last  I  saw  them  sit, 

Beside  the  General,  who  waved 
My  last,  and  read  aloud  a  writ. 

Beside  a  river  flowing  free. 

The  spot  marked  by  a  grassy  mound. 
My  whole,  nicknamed  "Old  Hickory," 

Was  long  ago  put  in  the  ground. 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  97 

94 

Y  whole  drops  from  trees. 

My  last  is  a  season, 
When  as  every  one  sees 
My  whole  drops  from  trees. 
My  first  is  a  breeze, 

And  that  is  the  reason 
My  whole  drops  from  trees. 

My  last  is  a  season. 


98  At  the  Sign 

95 


M 


Y  first  is  black  and  white  and  blue  and 
red, 
'T  is  yellow,  yes,  and  sometimes  it  is 
gray; 
'T  is  high  and  low,  't  is  restless  and  't  is 
dead, 
'T  is  writ  for  us  to  read  and  sing  and 
play. 

My  last  is  greeted  with  delight  and  dread, 

The  farmer's  solace  and  the  farmer's 

bane; 

Trod  by  his  feet,  yet  worn  upon  his  head, 

Refreshed  and  ruined  by  a  drenching 

rain. 

My  whole  lay  deep  beneath  the  waves, 
they  said, 
But  bravely  rescued  from  the  billow's 
roll. 
Though  dripping  wet  upon  the  sands  out- 
spread, 
With  gladness  and  delight  I  pressed  my 
whole. 


oj  the  Sphinx  99 

96 

I  HE  melancholy  days  have  come,  the  sad- 
dest of  the  year; 

There  's  not  a  flower  on  all  the  hills  be- 
cause my  first  is  here. 

And  through  the  keen  and  wintry  air  I 
watch  the  leaves  my  last; 

I  shall  not  see  my  whole  again  until  the 
winter  's  past. 


100  At  the  Sign 

97 

THE  jolly  old  farmer  was  my  last; 
As  he  went  to  my  first,  o'er  my  total  he 
passed. 


of  the  sphinx  10 1 

98 

N  artist  stepped  into  an  office  one  day, 
And  held  up  my  first  for  the  clerk  to  sur- 
vey; 
"It 's  a  good  black  and  white, 
But  it  is  n't  quite  right, 
For  I  just  drew  it  off  in  a  hurry  last  night. 
It 's  not  very  fine, 
Nor  of  novel  design, 
But  I  hope  't  will  be  taken  and  hung  on 

the  line." 
He  had  scarcely  gone  out  when  a  lady 

came  by, 
And  she  stopped  in  to  ask  if  my  second 
was  dry. 
*"Twas  a  canvas,"  she  said, 
"And  it  fills  me  with  dread, 
To  think  that  the  colors  have  faded  or 
spread." 
Well,  I  sat  there  all  day. 
In  that  very  same  way, 
Amazed  at  the  endless  and  changing  array 
Of  my  whole  that  appeared  in  a  motley 
display; 
Percale  and  piqud. 
Some  green  and  some  gray, 


102  At  the  Sign 

Worn  in  all  colors  and  worn  in  all  shades, 
Worn  by  the  ladies  and  worn  by  the  maids, 

By  large  and  by  small, 

By  short  and  by  tall, 
Till  I  ran  away  home  to  get  out  of  it  all. 


A 


of  the  Sphinx  I03 

99 

S  my  first  was  walking  with  weary  step, 

on  a  drear  and  lonely  road, 
With  a  heavy  heart  and  a  downcast  glance, 

of  my  second  be  bore  a  load; 
He  saw  my  third,  he  was  soon  my  third, 

he  had  reached  his  welcome  goal, 
And  with  song  and  dance  and  merry  jest, 

he  listened  to  my  whole. 


104  ^^  the  Sign 

lOO 


B 


ENEATH  the  gaslight's  brilliant  glare 
The  feast  was  spread  with  dainties  rare. 
My  whole  was  set  with  silver  fine, 
And  shining  glass  and  sparkling  wine. 
A  wise  professor,  old  and  staid. 
Was  talking  to  a  chattering  maid. 
In  ancient  lore  she  was  not  versed, 
She  was  my  last,  and  he  my  first; 
While  I  across  the  table  sat. 
Wishing  I  could  enjoy  her  chat. 


o 


oj  the  Sphinx  105 

lOI 

LD  Deacon  Griggs  made  money  fast; 
His  greatest  virtue  was  my  last. 
But  his  son  John  turned  out  my  whole, 
Which  grieved  the  deacon's  sordid  soul; 
For  hast'ning  to  my  first,  the  son 
Disbursed  the  gold  that  Griggs  had  won. 


lo6  At  the  Sign 

102 

N  ancient  family  of  Chaldee 

Went  from  my  first  to  Canaan*s  land. 
My  second  I  can  never  see, 

But  I  can  hold  it  in  my  hand. 
My  whole  is  found  on  the  ocean's  bed, 
Though  often  on  pillows  he  rests  his  head. 


u 


ol  the  Sphinx  107 

103 

PON  my  last  I  saw  a  yacht; 
My  last  is  smooth,  my  first  is  not. 
My  first  felt  Alexander's  blade, 
My  last  has  formed  a  strong  blockade; 
Both  can  be  broken,  cut  or  made; 
And  when  you  see  my  whole  displayed 
Upon  my  last,  oh,  then  beware! 
To  venture  near  it  do  not  dare. 


io8  At  the  Sign 

104 


M 


Y  first  is  often  broken,  't  is  so  frail; 
Sometimes  it  has  a  head,  sometimes  a  tail; 
Lives  in  the  water,  worn  upon  the  hand, 
Dooms  the  offender,  represents  a  land. 
My  last  is  found  on  mankind  and  on 

brute. 
Possessed  alike  by  fish  and  fowl  and  fruit. 
The  daring  mariner  who  seeks  the  pole, 
Failing  to  find  it,  may  secure  my  whole. 


oj  the  Sphinx  1 09 

105 

A  SOLDIER  and  a  sailor  met 
One  day  upon  the  shore; 
And  one  was  my  first  with  a  coat  of  my 
last, 
And  my  whole  the  other  wore. 


no  At  the  Sign 

1 06 


M 


AID  of  Athens,  ere  we  part, 
Hear  my  first  with  tender  heart; 
Ere  another  hour  is  past, 
Let  me  be  of  thee  my  last. 
Then  behold  my  very  soul 
Filled  o'erflowing  with  my  whole. 


oj  the  Sphinx  III 

107 

IHE  yacht  was  flying  fast;  the  day  was 

fair; 
The  sky  was  clear  and  blue;  and  my  first, 

white 
Upon  the  sailors  and  upon  the  sea. 
I  stood  upon  the  deck,  and  with  my  last 
I  saw  the  distant  shores  of  Barnegat, 
I  watched  the  heaving  billows  roll  and 

toss, 
I  thought  that  we  were  going  to  my  whole. 


112  At  the  Sign 

io8 


IT  was  my  whole,  a  thunder-storm  had 
burst; 
My  last  was  fierce,  and  filled  us  with  my 
first. 


of  the  Sphinx  1 1 3 

109 

A  COLLEGE  youth  toward  magic  yearned, 
xA.nd  all  the  wizard's  arts  he  learned. 
He  had  the  mumbo-jumbo  pat, 
And  made  my  first  in  his  silk  hat. 

Sorcery,  black  art,  and  all  the  rest 
He  could  accomplish  with  the  best; 
And  when,  as  wizard,  he  fell  flat, 
He  made  my  last  in  his  silk  hat. 

Dressed  for  the  street,  he  chanced  to  pass 
One  day,  before  his  cheval-glass; 
With  faultless  garb  and  new  cravat, 
He  saw  my  whole  in  his  silk  hat. 


114  At  (he  Sign 

no 


w 


HEN  Pope  remarked,  "Whatever  is,  is 

right," 
His   words   were    half   my  first.     When 

Hamlet  said, 
"To  be  or  not  to  be,"  my  first  was  part 
Of  his  great  speech,  and  even  now 
My  first  is  plain  before  your  eyes.     My 

last, 
Provides  a  home  and  sustenance  for  all; 
A  welcome  shout;  an  exclamation  used 
By  country  folk  or  those  of  little  wit. 
My  whole  my  first  my  last. 


of  the  Sphinx  1 1 5 

III 


N 


O  one  can  work  as  fast 
As  my  first  my  last. 
My  whole  presents  at  will 
An  enormous  bill. 


Ii6  Ai  the  Sign 

112 


W 


HEN  from  my  ivied  casement  I  look  down 
Upon  the  garden  bathed  in  sunset  glow 
I  see  my  first  ranged  in  imposing  rows 
Yet  distant  as  the  poles, 

I  hear  the  noise 
Of  merry  children  romping  in  their  glee; 
I  hear  their  laughter  and  I  hear  my  last. 

A  hero  of  my  youthful  days  there  was^ 
Who,  with  inquiring  mind  and  hatchet 

sharp. 
Upon  my  whole  reached  everlasting  fame. 


M 


of  the  Sphinx  1 1 7 

113 

Y  first  was  ground  beneath  the  oppressor's 
wheel, 

Subjected  unto  barbarous  tyrannies; 

With  ears  cut  off,  encaged  in  netted  wire 

Into  a  burning  fiery  furnace  thrust. 

My  first  take  from  my  second,  and  my 
whole 

Remains. 

My  second  is  a  faithful  friend. 

Gaily  with  him  across  the  moors  I  go 

From  morn  to  dewy  eve. 

I  went  one  day 

To  visit  an  old  man.     Beside  the  fire 

He  sate.     His  well-loved  pipe,  made  of 
my  whole, 

He  smoked  in  calm  and  undisturbed  con- 
tent. 


Ii8  At  the  Sign 

114 


M 


Y  first 's  a  very  common  thing, — 
It  has  been  worn  by  cat  and  king; 
Part  of  my  lady's  fine  attire, 
The  soldier's  pride,  the  tramp's  desire. 

/ 
My  second,  with  a  vacant  stare, 
Jaunty  red  cap  and  curling  hair, 
Once  at  a  gay  and  festive  scene. 
Captured  a  bright  and  smiling  queen. 
My  whole  is  very  often  used 
To  hit  a  beast  that 's  much  abused. 


o}  the  Sphinx  119 

115 

MY  dogs  I  love,  my  horses  I  adore; 
They  're  much  to  me,  and  yet  my  last  is 

more. 
And  though  my  first  is  less,  my  whole  I 

know, 
Has  ever  been  my  last's  unconquered  foe. 


120  At  the  Sign 

ii6 


A 


BRAVE  man  looked  forth  and  a  figure 

he  saw; 
'T  was  bound  to  my  first — he  surveyed  it 

with  awe. 
And  as   it  was  fast  disappearing  from 

sight, 
He   began   to   my   second   with   furious 

might. 
An  often-fought  foe,  very  hard  to  control, 
In  the  Scriptures  we  read  of  the  fall  of 

my  whole. 


I 


oj  the  Sphinx  1 2 1 

117 

N  certain  realms  men  have  to  bring 
My  first  to  earth  before  their  king; 
In  others,  they  are  only  bound 
To  make  my  second  touch  the  ground. 
My  whole  's  a  curious  little  man — 
One  of  a  most  amusing  clan. 


122  Ai  the  Sign 

ii8 

THOUGH  some  one  spoke  this  truthful 
word, 
''The  pen  is  mightier  than  the  sword," 
Without  my  first,  you  '11  all  agree, 
Of  little  use  the  pen  would  be. 

Deep  in  my  second,  long  ago, 
Young  Mr.  Green  was  said  to  throw 
A  victim  innocent  of  wrong, 
The  hero  of  a  well-known  song. 

What  products  of  what  mighty  brains! 
What  wond'rous  books  my  whole  con- 
tains! 
What  reams  of  prose  and  verse!     Yet  all 
Tinged  with  the  bitterness  of  gall! 


E 


oj  the  Sphinx  123 

119 

AGERLY  I  my  first  the  pack 

So  that  we  might  pursue  the  game; 

I  made  a  good  deal,  but  the  lack 
Of  interest  made  the  sport  seem  tame. 

My  second  ladies  richly  gowned 
May  see  in  patterns  of  their  silk, 

My  second  also  may  be  found 
In  terrapin  and  buttermilk. 

My  whole  will  fly  right  merrily 
O'er  many  a  cold  and  chilly  mile; 

'T  is  only  one,  yet  verily 

'T  would  equally  describe  a  file. 


1 24         At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx 
120 


M 


Y  first  bears  many  a  noble  name, 
Two  letters  add,  't  is  still  the  same. 

I  saw  my  second  in  dark  waters 
It  was  the  last  of  noble  daughters. 

My  whole,  though  very  picturesque, 
May  be  quite  ugly  and  grotesque; 
And  Shakespeare  used  the  word  to  mean 
The  witches  in  a  ghastly  scene. 


ANSWERS 


AT  THE  SIGN  OF  THE  SPHINX 


ANSWERS  TO 

SECOND  SERIES 

I. 

Cornice 

21. 

Skylark 

2. 

Farewell 

22. 

Mandates 

3- 

Nowhere 

23- 

Hemisphere 

4. 

Daybreak 

24. 

Handspring 

5. 

Dolphin 

25- 

Backward 

6. 

Expense 

26. 

Hatter 

7- 

Scrutiny 

27. 

Mildew 

8. 

Expediency 

28. 

To-day 

(X  PD  n  c) 

29. 

Nameless 

9- 

Ancestor 

3°- 

Cognac 

10. 

Palfrey 

31. 

Together 

II. 

Bookplate 

3^- 

Kingdom 

12. 

Massacre 

33- 

Punchbowl 

13- 

Palace 

34. 

Childhood 

14. 

Corkage 

35- 

Hundred 

15- 

Digit 

36. 

Hammock 

16. 

Animate 

37- 

Obey 

17- 

Rubric 

38. 

Willow 

18. 

Nectar 

39- 

Humorist 

19. 

Crosswise 

(Hume  0  wrist) 

20. 

Mermaid 

40. 

Sidewalk 

126 


Answers  to  Second  Series 


41.  Maiden 

42.  FiREDOG 

43.  Couplet 

44.  Nosegay 

45.  Escape 

46.  HELPilEET 

47.  Cattail 

48.  Heathen 

49.  Crabbed 

50.  Kindred 

51.  Arcady 

52.  Apron 

53.  Decade 

54.  Cowslip 

55.  Lamppost 

56.  Sinking 

57.  Cathay 

58.  Belfry 

59.  Welfare 

60.  Nomad 

61.  Aching 

62.  Worsted 

63.  Pennant 

64.  Handled 

65.  Elbow 

66.  Earnest 

67.  Tendril 

68.  Dido 


69 

Syntax 

70 

Shoehorn 

71 

Sundry 

72 

Codfish 

73 

Ceres   (Series) 

74 

Annex 

75 

Pastime 

76 

Forethought 

77 

Frontispiece 

78 

PiPESTEM 

79 

Poetry 

80 

Dustpan 

81 

Hairbreadth 

82 

Direct 

83 

Donkey 

84 

Saltcellar 

85 

Sediment 

86 

Sackbut 

87 

Centaur 

88 

Figure 

89 

Thinking 

90 

Sleeper 

91 

Farthing 

92 

Ivy 

93 

Flagstaff 

94 

Windfall 

95 

Seaweed 

96 

Snowdrop 

128 


Answers  to  Second  Series 


97.  Threshold 

98.  Shirtwaist 

99.  Mandolin 

100.  Sideboard 

10 1.  Spendthrift 

102.  Urchin 

103.  Notice 

104.  Sealskin 

105.  Tartan 

106.  Pleasure 

107.  Capsize 

108.  August 


109.  Student 

no.  Island 

111.  Toucan 

112.  Beanstalk 

113.  Corncob 

114.  Bootjack 

115.  Lesson 

116.  Sparrow 

117.  Brownie 

118.  Inkwell 

119.  Cutter 

120.  Posters 


22944 


/■-^I 


JO 


SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


AA    001  001  830    7 


